Nectarine tree named ‘Smooth Delight One’

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a new variety of  Prunus persica  named ‘Smooth Delight One’. This new variety, which requires 350-400 chilling units of dormancy, is considered to be a nectarine tree of early season maturity, ripens in early to mid-May in the medium chill zone of Texas, which produces white fleshed sub acid fruit that are very firm, attractively colored, and suitable for both local and regional markets.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

This invention relates to nectarine trees and, more specifically, tonectarine trees referred to as a variety of Prunus persica named ‘SmoothDelight One’, which requires approximately 350 to 400 chilling units ofdormancy, produces an high quality, firm clingstone sub-acid whitefleshed nectarine that matures early in the season.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The ‘Smooth Delight One’ nectarine is characterized as to novelty and isotherwise noteworthy by producing a white nectarine that ripens in theearly season; is considered good to high quality; and which is firm andhas an attractive coloration. In this regard, the present variety ofnectarine tree bears fruit that are ripe for commercial harvesting andshipment the second week of May when grow in south central Texas.‘Smooth Delight One’ ripens 5-7 days after ‘Flordaking’ (not patented,Andrews et al., 1979) and about a week before ‘TexKing’ (U.S. Plant Pat.No. 14,627).

Origin of the Variety

The present nectarine tree was the result of an ongoing Stone FruitBreeding Program of Texas A & M University, College Station, BrazosCounty, Tex. To this end, controlled crosses are made each year toproduce seedling populations from which improved progenies are evaluatedand selected.

The seedling ‘TX2A232LWN’ (‘Smooth Delight One’) was identified at theTexas A & M University Horticultural Farm in College Station, Tex. in2003, and was chosen from a population of seedlings that resulted fromseed from a cross between ‘Sunmist’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 9,871, Apr. 29,1997) used as the female parent and ‘Arctic Star’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No.9,332, Oct. 17, 1995) used as the male (pollen) parent. Resulting seedfrom this cross were planted at the Texas A & M University HorticulturalFarm in College Station, Tex. ‘TX2A232LWN’ was marked for subsequentobservation and noted as having exceptional characteristics. Two-yearand older trees of the variety were subsequently evaluated during the2005 through 2011 fruit growing seasons in both California (Fowler) andTexas (Floresville and College Station).

Asexual Reproduction of the Variety

‘TX2A232LWN’ was bud grafted onto virus-free Nemaguard (not patented,Brooks and Olmo, 1997) nectarine rootstock in June 2003 at the nurserysite in Oakdale, Calif. The variety was subsequently planted at theexperimental orchard in the central portion of the San Joaquin Valley,near Fowler, Fresno County, Calif. and in two sites in Texas (CollegeStation and Floresville). Fruit from the resulting propagation has beenevaluated during the period from 2005 to 2010 fruit seasons. Thisevaluation clearly demonstrated that the re-propagated trees were trueto the characteristics of the original seedling in all observableaspects.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

This new variety of nectarine tree is illustrated by the accompanyingphotographs. The fruit, pits, flowers, and shoots depicted are frommature trees that are 5-years of age.

FIG. 1. ‘Smooth Delight One’ nectarine showing typical leaves andshoots.

FIG. 2. Fruit of ‘Smooth Delight One’ produced in the evaluation blocksin Fowler, Calif. showing apical and distal views as well as fruitdissected in the axial or suture plane to illustrate the flesh, skincolor, fruit shape and stone characteristics.

FIG. 3. Dried endocarps of ‘Smooth Delight One’ showing various views.The ruler is demarcated in millimeters.

FIG. 4. The showy flowers of ‘Smooth Delight One’. The ruler is inmillimeters.

BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIETY

Referring more specifically to the pomological details of this new anddistinct variety of nectarine tree, the following has been observedunder the ecological conditions prevailing at the experimental orchardsin the medium chill zone of Texas and in Fowler, Calif. on maturefive-year old trees. All major color code designations are by referenceto The R.H.S. Colour Chart (2001) provided by The Royal HorticulturalSociety of Great Britain. Colors are approximate as color depends onhorticultural practices such as light level and fertilization rate,among others.

Tree

-   Size: Generally average to above average as compared to other common    nectarine cultivars ripening in the early season of maturity.-   Height: 10 feet (3.05 m) at the end of the 2012 growing season on a    five-year old tree.-   Width: 6 feet (1.83 m) at the end of the 2012 growing season on a    five-year old tree.-   Vigor: High.-   Density: Medium to high.-   Productivity: Productive.-   Shape: The ‘Smooth Delight One’ exhibits a generally spreading    growth habit typical of commercial varieties of nectarine such as    ‘TexKing’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 14,627) and ‘TexRoyal’ (not patented,    Byrne and Bacon, 1991).-   Current season growth: The current season growth for the new variety    was approximately 2.5 to 3.4 feet (0.76-1.04 m).-   Regularity of bearing: Regular, and considered hardy under typical    conditions in the medium chill zone of Texas and in the central San    Joaquin Valley, Calif.

Trunk

-   Size: Approximately 4 inches (10.16 cm) in diameter and 12.5 inches    (31.75 cm) in circumference when measured at a distance of    approximately 12 inches (30.5 cm) above the soil level, at the end    of the 2012 growing season on a five-year old tree.-   Bark texture: Considered moderately rough with numerous folds of    papery scarf-like skin being present.-   Bark coloration: Variable, R.H.S. colors present are 200D and    N200C-D of the Brown Group and 201C-D of the Grey Group.

Branches

-   Size: Considered medium for the variety. The length of the branches    are limited by pruning to a 3 to 5 foot (approximately 0.9 to 1.5 m)    depending on its position in the tree.-   Thickness: Average (about 2.5 cm in diameter as measured 10 cm from    the trunk on a five-year old tree) as compared to other varieties.-   Surface texture: Average and appearing furrowed on wood that is    several years old.-   Lenticels: Numerous flat, oval lenticels present. The lenticels    range in size from approximately 1 to 7 mm in width and were    approximately 1-2 mm in height.-   Current season shoots:    -   -   Surface texture.—Substantially glabrous.-   Internode length: Approximately 15 to 24 mm as measured in the    middle of a current season stem.-   Color of mature branches: The predominant colors are 165A-B of the    Greyed-Orange Group; 199A, N199C-D of the Grey-Brown Group; and 200D    of the Brown Group.-   Current season shoots:    -   -   Color.—Medium to light green (Green Group 140B, 141C-D,            142A-B and 143A-D and Yellow-Green Group 144A-C, N144C-145A            and 146B-D) with some brown coloration appearing on exposed            surface of the shoots (Grey-Brown Group 199A-B, and            N199C-D). The upper exposed surface of current season growth            exhibits medium intensity of anthocyanins.

Leaves

-   Size: Considered moderately small for the species. Leaf measurements    have been taken from vigorous upright current season growth    approximately at mid-shoot.-   Leaf length: Approximately 126 to 149 mm.-   Leaf width: Approximately 36 to 44 mm.-   Leaf thickness: Less than 1 mm.-   Leaf form: Lanceolate.-   Leaf tip form: Acuminate.-   Leaf upper surface color: Green varying among 137A-C of the Green    Group and 146A-C of the Yellow Green Group.-   Leaf lower surface color: Green varying among 138B of the Green    Group and 146A-D of the Yellow-Green Group.-   Leaf mid-vein color: Light yellow green (145C-D of the Yellow-Green    Group and 160D of the Greyed-Yellow Group).-   Leaf margins:    -   -   Form.—Considered crenulate.        -   Uniformity.—Considered generally uniform.-   Leaf petioles:    -   -   Size.—Considered medium long.        -   Length.—Approximately 9 to 11 mm.        -   Thickness.—Approximately less than 1 mm.        -   Color.—Pale green (Yellow Green Group 144C and N144C-D).-   Leaf glands:    -   -   Size.—Approximately 1 mm in height and 1 to 1.5 mm in width.        -   Number.—Generally 2-4 per leaf.        -   Type.—Reniform.        -   Color.—Greenish brown (199A-D and N199A-D of the Grey-Brown            Group).-   Leaf stipules:    -   -   Size.—Considered medium to large for the species.        -   Length.—Approximately 10-16 mm.        -   Width.—Approximately 1 mm.        -   Form.—Lanceolate.        -   Color.—Light green (RHS Yellow-Green 144B-D and N144C-D).            The stipules are considered early deciduous.        -   Ratio of wood (leaf) buds to flowering buds.—1 to 2 flower            buds per vegetative bud.

Flowers

-   Floral buds:    -   -   General.—The floral buds are considered to be medium large            to large in size, conic in form, and slightly appressed            relative to the bearing shoot.        -   Color.—The bud scales are brown with a greenish white color,            (approximately Red-Purple Group 58A, Green-White Group            157A-B and the Brown Group 200A-D). The buds are considered            hardy under typical environmental conditions in the medium            and low chill zones of Texas and in the central San Joaquin            Valley, Calif.        -   Length.—Approximately 6 to 10 mm.        -   Width.—Appoximately 2-3 mm.        -   Blooming type.—It bloomed in mid to late February in            Floresville, Tex. and Fowler, Calif. respectively. It            bloomed slightly before or with common medium chill            cultivars such as ‘Flordaking’ (not patented, Andrews et            al., 1979), TexKing’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 14,627), and            ‘Sunraycer’ (not patented, Sherman and Lyrene, 1995). It is            estimated to require between 350 and 400 chilling units to            break winter dormancy.        -   Flower type.—Showy.        -   Flower size.—Flower diameter at full bloom is approximately            38 to 45 mm. The length of the flower at the pink bud stage            before opening ranges from 12 to 18 mm.        -   Bloom quantity.—Considered abundant.        -   Flower bud frequency.—Normally 1 to 2 per node.-   Petal size:    -   -   General.—Considered medium large for the species.        -   Width.—Approximately 14 to 17 mm.        -   Length.—Approximately 19 to 20 mm.        -   Petal form.—Broadly ovate.        -   Petal count.—Nearly always 5.        -   Petal color.—Medium to dark pink when young (Red Group            54A-55D, Red-Purple Group N57A-58C, 61C-63D, 65A-B and            N66B-D), becoming darker near the petal claw. As petals age,            color becomes darker pink (Red Group 56A, Red-Purple Group            58D, 64D, 65A-D, 68C-69C, 70D and Purple Group 75B-D).-   Petal claw:    -   -   Form.—The claw is considered present.        -   Length.—Approximately 1 to 1.5 mm.        -   Width.—Approximately 1 to 1.5 mm.        -   Petal margins.—Generally considered variable, from nearly            smooth to slightly undulate.        -   Petal apex.—Generally — The petal apices appear slightly            domed and rounded.-   Flower pedicel:    -   -   Length.—Considered medium to long, and having an average            length of approximately 4 to 5 mm.        -   Thickness.—Considered average, approximately 1 to 1.5 mm.        -   Color.—A light green (Yellow-Green Group 145A-B and            N144B-D).-   Floral nectaries:    -   -   Color.—Dull yellow (Yellow-Green Group 153A-D).-   Calyx:    -   -   Surface texture.—Generally glabrous.        -   Color.—Green (approximately Yellow-Green Group 144C, N144D,            145A-C and 149A-151D) with maroon (Red-Purple Group            59A-60A), red (Red Group 46A-B, 47A-B and 53A-B) and brown            (Greyed-Orange Group 165A, 166A-B, 174A and 175A-B).-   Sepals:    -   -   Surface texture.—The surface has a short, fine, and wooly            texture.        -   Size.—Average, and ovate in form. Sepal lengths range from            5.5 to 6.0 mm and the width from 4.4 to 4.8 mm at the pink            bud to open flower states of development.        -   Color.—All colors represented in Calyx color plus an            additional green (approximately Greyed-Green Groups            190-194A-D).-   Anthers:    -   -   General.—Average in size for the species. Anther length            ranges from 1.5 to 2.0 mm and the width was approximately 1            mm.        -   Color.—Yellow (approximately Green-Yellow Group 1A-B, Yellow            Group 2A-7A) and darkening upon aging.        -   Pollen production.—Pollen is abundant, and is a yellow color            (approximately Yellow Group 7A-13A).-   Filaments:    -   -   Size.—Variable in length, approximately 14 to 16 mm, with            the filaments slightly longer than the pistil. The stamens            are generally higher than the pistil and do not protrude            when the flowers are at the pink bud stage of development.        -   Color.—White with pink tinge (approximately White Group            155A-D and N155A-D; RHS Orange Group 27D, Red Group 36D and            49D) and darkening with advanced maturity.-   Pistil:    -   -   General.—Average in size, but slightly shorter, relative to            the general stamen height, overall. The anthers are above            the pistil.        -   Length.—Approximately 14 to 16.5 mm, including the ovary.        -   Color.—Considered a greenish-yellow when young            (approximately Yellow-Green Group 144C, N144B, 149B-151B and            154A), and becoming slightly darker with advancing            senescence.        -   Surface texture.—The pistil including the ovary is glabrous            and is not pubescent.

Fruit

-   Maturity when described: The present variety of fruit is described,    as it would be found in its firm ripe condition at full commercial    maturity. Under the ecological conditions prevailing in the medium    chill zone of Texas ‘Smooth Delight One’ ripens in early to mid May,    4-5 days after ‘Flordaking’ (not patented, Andrews et al., 1979) and    about a week before ‘TexKing’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 14,627).-   Size:    -   -   General.—Medium large to large for the season and considered            uniform.        -   Average cheek diameter.—Approximately 64 to 71 mm.        -   Average suture diameter.—Approximately 63 to 73 mm.        -   Average axial diameter.—Approximately 63 to 69 mm.-   Fruit form: Generally round in its lateral aspect. The fruit is    generally uniform in symmetry when viewed from the apical aspect.-   Fruit suture: Generally, the suture appears as a thin line that    extends from the base to the apex, and appears deeper at the apex,    forming a shallow basin at the apical point. No apparent callusing    or stitching exists along the suture line.    -   -   Color.—The suture normally is darker than the underlying            blush. RHS Red Group 53A-B and Red Group 46A-B.        -   Ventral surface.—Form — Considered uniform.-   Stem cavity:    -   -   Size.—Considered moderately shallow for the species.        -   Length.—Approximately 13 to 16 mm.        -   Width.—Approximately 19 to 21 mm.        -   Depth.—Approximately 9 to 10 mm.        -   Fruit base.—Flat and tapering.        -   Fruit apex.—Flat.-   Fruit stem:    -   -   Length.—Approximately 9 to 11 mm.        -   Thickness.—Approximately 2 to 3 mm.        -   Color.—Generally light green in color (Yellow-Green Group            144A).-   Fruit skin: Generally considered medium or average in thickness.    -   -   Surface texture.—Smooth.        -   Skin acidity.—Considered neutral.        -   Tenacious to flesh.—Yes at commercial maturity.        -   Tendency to crack.—Generally resistant to cracking as            compared to other varieties.        -   Skin color.—Generally — Variable, with a high (70%) to very            high (90%) percentage of the fruit surface covered with            blush as described under Blush Color below.        -   Pubescence.—Absent. The glabrous skin has medium glossiness.        -   Blush color.—It ranges from a light red (RHS Red Group 39A)            to a dark red (RHS Red-Purple Group 59A-B and Greyed-Purple            Group 183A-C) with many degrees of shading and blending            occurring between these colorations.        -   Skin ground color.—This is generally present in variable            percentages covering approximately 70-90% of the fruit's            surface. The skin ground color is a greenish yellow (RHS            Green-Yellow group 1B-D and Greyed-Yellow group 160B).        -   Flesh color.—Generally considered variable from a white            coloration (White Groups 155B and N999D) to a very light            pink (White Group N155B) with red appearing closer to the            outer skin (Greyed-Purple Group 186A-D).        -   Flesh fibers.—Present, numerous and lightly colored. These            fibers are present throughout the flesh.        -   Stone cavity color.—Generally considered white in color            (White Group 155B).        -   Flesh texture.—Generally, the flesh is considered firm at            commercial maturity.        -   Ripening.—Generally the fruit of the present variety ripens            evenly.        -   Flavor.—Considered very sweet with sub acid flavor.        -   Aroma.—Pleasant and reasonably abundant.        -   Eating.—Generally considered good to excellent, particularly            for its ripening season.

Stone

-   Attachment: Clingstone (strongly adherent) at commercial maturity.-   Stone size: Generally considered medium to medium-large relative to    the ratio of stone to fruit size.    -   -   Length.—Approximately 30 to 34 mm.        -   Width.—Approximately 22 to 24 mm.        -   Thickness.—Approximately 17 to 20 mm.-   Stone form: Generally, the stone is considered elliptical to ovate.-   Stone base: Narrow to medium.-   Base angle: The base angle of the stone is variable, but most    frequently is considered wide.-   Apex shape: Narrow.-   Stone shape: Considered variable, from ovoid to elongated.-   Stone surface:    -   -   Surface texture.—Minor surface markings are honeycombed with            some single pits and rosettes of pits.        -   Ridges.—Ridges are present basally, and converge towards the            base of the stone.        -   Ventral edge.—Considered small.        -   Dorsal edge.—Shape — Grooved and having moderately rough            edges.        -   Stone color.—The color of the dry stone is light brown            (similar to Greyed-Orange Group 164C and 165D). The color of            the inside surface of the endocarp is primarily            Greyed-Orange Group 164C-D and 165C-D.        -   Tendency to split.—Splitting is uncommon.        -   Kernel.—The kernel fills the endocarp at harvest and            measures approximately 6 mm in thickness, 9-10 m in width,            and 15-17 mm in length. When dried the shriveled kernels            measure approximately 1.5-3 mm in thickness, 7-9 mm in            width, and 14-16 mm in length. The colors of the shriveled            kernels are primarily Greyed-Yellow Group 161C-D and            Greyed-Orange Group 164C-D.-   Use: The subject variety, ‘Smooth Delight One’, is considered to be    a nectarine tree of early season maturity, which produces white    fleshed fruit which are firm, attractively colored, sub acid in    flavor and which are useful for both local and regional markets.-   Keeping quality: Good.-   Resistance to insects and disease: No particular susceptibilities or    resistances were noted or are claimed.-   Shipping quality: Average.

Although the new variety of nectarine tree possesses the describedcharacteristics when grown under the ecological conditions prevailing inthe medium chill zone of Texas and in Fowler, Fresno County, Calif., itwill be understood that variations of the usual magnitude andcharacteristics incident to the changes in growing conditions,fertilization, pruning, and pest control are to be expected.

LITERATURE:

Andrews, C. P., W. B. Sherman, and P. M. Lyrene. 1979. ‘Flordaking’peach. HortScience 14:81-82.

Anon. 2001. R.H.S. Colour Chart. The Royal Hort. Soc., London.

Brooks, R. M. and H. P. Olmo. 1997. Register of New Fruit and NutVarieties. 3rd Edition. American Society of Horticultural Science Press,Alexandria, Va.

Byrne, D. H. and T. A. Bacon. 1991. ‘TexRoyal’, a medium chilling peach.HortScience 26(10):1338-1340.

Byrne, D. H. and T. A. Bacon. 2004. ‘TexKing’, an early ripening mediumchill peach. HortScience 39: 442-443. U.S. Plant Pat. No. 14,627. Mar.23, 2004.

Sherman, W. B. 1997. Nectarine tree called “Sunmist”. U.S. Plant Pat.No. 9,871. Apr. 29, 1997.

Sherman, W. B., P. C. Andersen, and P. M. Lyrene. 1995. ‘Sunmist’nectarine. HortScience 30(1): 155.

Sherman, W. B., P. C. Andersen, and P. M. Lyrene. 1995. ‘Sunraycer’nectarine. HortScience 30(1): 154.

Zaiger, C., G. Zaiger, L. M. Gardner, and G. Zaiger. 1994. Nectarinetree “Arctic Star”. U.S. Plant Pat. No. 9,332, Oct. 17, 1995.

We claim:
 1. A new and distinct Prunus persica tree, substantially asillustrated and described herein.